Oregon State has named JaMarcus Shephard as its next head coach, the program announced Friday.
"I'm extremely excited to announce JaMarcus Shephard as the head coach of the Oregon State football program," AD Scott Barnes said. "His character and persona are top-notch and genuine, which will make all of Beaver Nation proud. His values align perfectly as an exceptional leader who fosters a sincere connection with his student athletes. He has coached at the highest level, with stops in the Pacific Northwest, and I cannot wait to see him on the recruiting trail and leading our football program to immediate success."
Shephard comes to Coravllis from Tuscaloosa, where he's spent the past two seasons as Alabama's assistant head coach, co-offensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach. Prior to that, he held the same role under Kalen DeBoer for his two seasons at Washington, where he helped craft a passing game that took the Huskies to the national championship game in 2023. Shephard was chosen by prior winners as FootballScoop's Wide Receivers Coach of the Year in 2022.
An Indiana native, Shephard also spent the 2016 season coaching wide receivers at Washington State. This will be his first head coaching position.
"I'm honored to lead the Oregon State University football program and to join a community that cares so deeply about its student-athletes," Shephard said. "We will build a culture rooted in toughness, integrity, and relentless effort, and I'm excited to get to work with our players, staff, and supporters to write the next great chapter of Beaver football."
Shephard inherits an Oregon State program in transition. The Beavers are 2-9 on the season, and conclude their 2025 campaign at Washington State on Saturday. Together with Wazzu, OSU was essentially demoted from the Power 5 to the Group of 5 upon the dissolution of the original Pac-12 last year. A revived Pac-12 will begin play next year with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State joining the league, effective July 1. (Gonzaga will also join in Olympic sports.)
Oregon State will introduce Shephard at a press conference on Tuesday. The announcement did not indicate whether or not Shephard will immediately join Oregon State or remain with Alabama through the postseason. The 9-2 Crimson Tide could play their way into the SEC Championship this weekend; a win by No. 3 Texas A&M over No. 16 Texas on Friday night would eliminate them from contention, but the Tide are in a strong position for an at-large bid either way with a win over Auburn tomorrow.